The Pakistani wedding invitation checklist: everything your card must include
The night before a wedding, someone's phone rings constantly — where is the hall, what time does it actually start, are children invited. Almost every one of those calls traces back to something the invitation did not say. Work through this checklist before your card goes out.
The non-negotiables
If any of these is missing, expect calls.
- Hosting family names, written in the correct order
- Bride's and groom's names, spelled as the family prefers
- Function name — mehndi, nikah, baraat or walima
- Day and date together (guests read the day, not the number)
- Actual start time, not 'evening'
- Venue name plus area and full address
- A tappable map link
- One RSVP phone number
The details couples forget
These are not required, but every one of them prevents a question.
- Dress code or colour theme for mehndi
- Whether the meal is lunch or dinner
- Parking or which gate to enter
- Whether children are invited
- Who to ask on the day if a guest gets lost
Get the timings honest
If the baraat realistically arrives at 9 pm, printing 7 pm trains guests to arrive late for everything. Either state the real time, or write the time you genuinely want guests seated and hold to it.
One invitation, several guest circles
Family is invited to everything; colleagues often only to the walima. Prepare two versions rather than one confusing card — a digital invitation makes this trivial, since it is just a second link.
Proof it with fresh eyes
Before sending anything, have two people who are not planning the wedding read it and answer, out loud: which day, what time, where, and who do I tell. If they hesitate on any of the four, fix the invitation.
Frequently asked questions
Should the invitation say 'no children'?
If it matters to you, say it politely — 'we hope you understand that this is an adults-only celebration'. Guests would rather read it than be turned away.
How early should invitations go out?
Three to four weeks before for local guests, and six to eight weeks for anyone travelling from abroad so they can book flights.
Want your invitation built for you?
One link with every function, venue maps and RSVP — PKR 2,999, live in 48 to 72 hours.